Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Ahhhh… the rewards of stepping out of your comfort zone.Recently, my sister-in-law turned me onto a week-long detox diet that she found on GOOP.For those of you who don’t know squat about GOOP (I didn’t either until two weeks ago) it’s Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, filled with fun facts about Gwen’s glamorous life and helpful hints to boot.(Apparently she’s so nice and down-to-earth with her advice that we can’t hate - her even though she’s a runway thin, beautiful movie actress married to a rock star!)

I’d been curious about trying a cleanse of some sort, but wasn’t prepared (and doubt that I ever will be) to exist on water with cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon juice for two weeks.Most cleanses I’d heard about sounded so difficult…so stringent…so unappealing.What sold me on GOOP’s particular plan were the beautiful photos of fresh green soups and salads, brightly colored juices and creamy smoothies.Now, maybe that I could live with for a week, I thought.Even though I’d have to cut out all processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and grains for a week? Gulp. Still outside the comfort zone, but, perhaps doable?

Luckily, I had the support of my awesomely wonderful sister-in-law, Shannon.(I have forgiven my brother a mountain of past transgressions for bringing her into our family.)We talked each day and sent encouraging e-mails.We shared tips. (try freezing half the rice milk for your smoothie to make it creamy like something from TCBY) And within a few days, we both had the realization that this was not, in fact, going to kill us.There was even a good chance it might make us stronger. (not to mention a bit lighter)

Here’s the reward – I stepped outside my comfort zone (a week with coffee or wine…really?) and ended up feeling better than I’ve felt in months.And, I can honestly say that after the week was over, I’ve had no desire to dive right back into my pre-GOOP ways.It has been a nice fresh start for me.

I’m not suggesting that you all run out and do this detox – but I would encourage you to take a step (even a small one) outside of your comfort zone.Think of something you’ve been toying around with doing, but just haven’t been able to muster the oomph you need to try it.

Do you pass a yoga studio and think, “Gee, I’d like to try that, but I’m afraid I can’t bend that way anymore?”Have you always harbored a secret fantasy to belt out a tune at an open-mic night but can’t seem to find a wheelbarrow to carry a tune in?Would you love to take a drawing class, but haven’t drawn more than a conclusion in years? Maybe you just wish you could say “No” for once to the person who keeps calling and asking you for favors that she never returns (you know who you are – shame on you.)

I think this is fitting quote to leave you with:“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got.” – Mark Twain.Why not get something new?

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